LeBron James' Teammate Slammed For Steph Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo Comment

LeBron James' former teammate has been slammed for a comment he made about Steph Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Richard Jefferson played alongside James at the Cleveland Cavaliers, and helped the team win the 2016 NBA championship against the Golden State Warriors. He retired from professional basketball at the end of 2018 and now works as an NBA analyst for ESPN.

But he has found himself under fire after his comments during the Los Angeles Lakers pre-season game with the Warriors. He said: "Seth [Curry] and Thanasis [Antetokounmpo] have some job security. I'm just gonna put it out there."

His comment immediately drew criticism from fans online, who accused him of suggesting that both players only have NBA careers because of their brothers.

Seth Curry, the younger brother of Warriors icon Steph Curry, recently signed an Exhibit 9 contract that allows him to play with the team and his brother during pre-season.

Steph Curry and Seth Curry. Image: Zhizhao Wu / Contributor via Getty

However, the deal offers no long-term security and it is unclear if he will feature in the NBA next year, despite reports that he could sign a veteran minimum deal.

Meanwhile Thanasis Antetokounmpo, who re-signed with the Milwaukee Bucks, will again play alongside his brother Giannis. Thanasis Antetokounmpo has not played since May 2024 when he tore an achilles tendon.

Although Jefferson appeared to accuse Seth Curry and Thanasis Antetokounmpo benefitting from nepotism, he notably did not mention Bronny James. Bronny, who is entering his second year in the NBA with the Lakers, has struggled to make an impact in pre-season so far.

Many fans believe he is only the roster because of his connection to his legendary father LeBron James.

Bronny James and LeBron James. Image: Emilee Chinn / Staff via Getty

One Reddit user, @Nessmuk58 wrote: "Equating Seth, who has never yet played on a team with Steph, with Thanasis is insane, to say nothing about nepo-baby Bronny is utterly ridiculous. RJ is trash.

Another, @neo9027581673 added: "I mean Bronny James was right there if Richard Jefferson ever wanted to keep it. Seth Curry is an incredible 3% shooter."

A third, @Dry-Hearing-4127 continued: "Bronny is just there because of daddy while Seth earned his spot in the NBA."

Some fans on social media urged others to ignore Jefferson's comments entirely. @oftenevil said: "Richard Jefferson is a coward. Pay no mind to him."

While, Less-Jellyfish5385 wrote: "You shouldn't believe anything an ESPN announcer said."

Bronny James will be hoping to silence his critics throughout pre-season and into his second campaign.

The NBA season gets underway in just over two weeks, with the first game set for October 21.